Fire Prevention Lesson Plans
Based on Curriculum developed by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
The following information is from the Student Manual set up for New York State.

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COMMUNICATING WITH CHILDREN AGES 3 - 14
Course Objectives List elements of the communication process List developmental characteristics of children ages 3 - 14 Select appropriate fire safety messages for children ages 3 - 14 Communication Process |--->SENDER---->Message---->RECEIVER---| |<--- <--- <--- <--- <--- <--- <--- <--- <--- <--- <---|
Communication Tips plan - plan - plan use age-appropriate language maintain eye contact repeat key information model preferred behavior emphasize positive reactions praise and encourage often practice effective listening use visuals to reinforce and clarify messages	Elements To Consider student age attention span special needs other curriculum learning environment available equipment
Instructional Materials
Questions to ask: Does it do what you want? Does it convey the desired message? Is it age appropriate? Is the content appropriate? Is it cost effective? Is it acceptable locally?	More Questions to ask: Are you comfortable using it? Does it avoid gender stereotyping? Are racial and gender minorities represented equitably? Can materials be adapted for sensory impaired students?
Developmental Characteristics Age 3 imitates behavior of others emerges outside of home to peer group limited vocabulary Age 4 increasing eye-hand coordination, i.e. turning on faucet may have fears about the dark, monsters asks many questions Age 5 mastered the basic language of their culture learns through modeling uses play, art and media as communication tools Age 6 - 7 First Grade egocentric rapidly expanding vocabulary memorization and matching sounds may dislike being singled out Age 7 - 8 Second Grade behavior more calm know-it-all likes to use hands Age 8 - 9 Third Grade less interest in play media general "confusion" age high activity distance between child and adult Age 9 - 12 Fourth, Fifth & Sixth Grade positive approach to life identifies with TV heading toward adoledescence sociable peer pressure beginning to emerge Age 12 - 14 Seventh & Eighth Grade strong desire to be like peers likes activities involving boys and girls seeks being alone flucuates between childish and mature behavior beginning to think seriously about a career	Appropriate Messages Age 3 - 5 matches and lighters are tools (for grown ups) stop, drop and roll reporting emergencies burn prevention: hot things burn and cool helps Ages 6 - 7 First Grade stop, drop and roll smoke detector E.D.I.T.H. firefighter as community helper Age 7 - 8 Second Grade matches and lighters are tools stop, drop and roll smoke detector E.D.I.T.H. burn prevention Age 8 - 9 Third Grade matches and lighters E.D.I.T.H. recognizing fire hazards Age 9 - 12 Fourth, Fifth & Sixth Grade reporting emergencies burn prevention recognizing home hazards arson yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles Age 12 - 14 Seventh & Eighth Grade smoke detector home hazards fire extinguishers babysitting cigarettes / smoking safety

This site is provided by BuffNET, with a special thanks to many national, state county agencies and local fire companies that provide this information at no cost. Take this information home and use it to save your life and the lives of your loved ones. Design and layout by: Charles E. Sankey. Concept & research by: Harmon Benzee.